Introductory Statement 

This position is located in Helena, Montana with a duty station at the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Supervisor’s Office. The incumbent will serve as Conservation Education Coordinator and is supervised by the Executive Director of the Montana Discovery Foundation (MDF), working in cooperation with the Conservation Education Specialist of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. MDF is a 501 c3 nonprofit organization with a mission of supporting Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest programs that build partnerships to protect watersheds, promote healthy forest management practices, and enhance the area’s recreational opportunities.  Conservation education is a primary source of promoting the mission.

Scope and Effect
The purpose of the position is to lead and deliver interpretive programs about local ecosystems, participate in stewardship activities, and model positive behaviors toward the environment. The incumbent will serve as a naturalist and educator conducting conservation activities and interpretation for youth and the general public. 

Coordinates and Implements Conservation Education Programs: (65% of duties with at least 20% of programming taking place outdoors).

• Assists in planning, developing and presenting environmental education programs that provide information on a variety of subjects related to natural and cultural history, resource management and other environmental issues.
• Prepares and presents a variety of thematic programs, guided tours and outdoor hikes.
• Leads and/or assists in the planning, design and installation of exhibits, interpretive/audio visual programs. Prepares and presents programs at off-site locations.
• Develops and maintains partnerships with a variety of learning institutions and organizations.
• Gathers participant data for statistical reporting.
• Seeks sources of funding for conservation education programs.
• Responsible for maintaining supplies and equipment that support mission.
• Ensures safety measures in programming.

Coordinates Public Relations and Marketing Activities: (20% of duties)

• Assists with managing website design and content, develops and maintains social media presence.
• Composes and updates brochures, leaflets, handouts, and other publications.
• Develops and prepares news releases, feature articles for news bulletins and local and national media.
• Takes photographs for use in public information, presentations and displays.

Volunteer Coordination (15% of duties)

• Recruits volunteers for conservation education programming.
• Plans, organizes and conducts trainings for volunteers.
• Coordinates with volunteers for a wide-variety of program delivery.
• Maintains volunteer database.
• Communicates with volunteer list to keep informed of upcoming volunteer opportunities.
• Maintain interest and application of safety measures in training and in programs.

Qualifications
The position requires knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of delivering environmental educational components sufficiently for the incumbent to independently apply the full range of duties involved in interpretation and administering a conservation education curriculum.

• College degree with environmental education background or 3 years equivalent work experience.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Passion for the outdoors and enthusiasm for enhancing natural resource education.
• Ability to take initiative, handle multiple projects, track details essential to project completion, analyze information, and meet deadlines.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse groups of people.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• History in outdoor and winter activities.
• Basic computer proficiency using Microsoft Office.
• A valid Montana driver’s license (government driver’s license may be required).
• Must pass a background and criminal history check.

Supervisory Controls
The Supervisor and the governing Board in coordination with the Forest Service Conservation Education Specialist and the Public Affairs Officer make assignments by defining objectives, priorities, and deadlines; and assists the employee with unusual situations that do not have clear precedents. The incumbent plans and carries out the successive steps and handles problems and deviations in the work assignment in accordance with instructions, policies, or accepted practices. Completed work will be evaluated for technical soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to requirements. There is a one-year probationary period with Supervisor/Board review.

Physical Demands
Work includes walking, hiking, standing, snowshoeing and bending for extended periods of time. Driving a car, and loading and unloading a variety of materials and supplies up to 30 lbs may be required.

Work Environment
The work environment involves everyday risks and discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of offices, meeting or training rooms. Outdoor activities are inherent to the position and require safety precautions and personal protective gear related to weather, topography and other variable conditions related to working in the outdoors.

Application Deadline September 6th, 2020     

Compensation and Benefits:                   

• Starting wage $16 per hour                                                    
• Earn 4 hours of vacation and sick leave per pay period 
• Multiple Training Opportunities within multi-agency and MEEA communities
• Eleven paid holidays
• SIMPLE Retirement Plan with 3% employer match      
• Flexible schedule
• Health Stipend of $100 per month
• Great work environment—both indoors and out!